Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!
Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.
"Broken Toys" (1935) is a Christmas-time film where the discarded Sailor Doll (patterned after actor Ned Sparks), gives the other toys a plan on how they could bring happiness to others during Christmas.
Earlier, I posted another item from "Broken Toys" -- a great pencil pan background.
As with several other films during this period, "Broken Toys" brings to the screen a number of easily identifiable (at least at the time) Hollywood-types.
Ned Sparks was a unique actor with a very identifiable style. Disney used Sparks as a character concept for not only the Sailor Doll, but as the Caterpillar in "Snow White," The Jester in "Mother Goose Goes Hollywood." Tex Avery used Sparks as The Hermit Crab in "Fresh Fish."
Sailor Doll (Ned Sparks)
Two additional characters that were popular at the time were Aunt Jemima (Tess Gardella) and Stepin Fetchit.
Tess Gardella was a white, Italian who played in "black face." Many recall her as "Queenie" the black cook in "Show Boat." Stepin Fetchit was the first African-American actor to become a millionaire playing roles that offended many in the Black community, but later he was given the N.A.A.C.P. Special Image Award in 1975.
3rd or 4th Generation Model Sheet
Aunt Jemima Pencils
Stepin Fetchit Pencils
----- DATABASE NOTES -----From “Broken Toys” (1935). Part of a set of 4 images (See 399, 406, 415 416) Boy in sailors cap with feet that are wheels. (or simply a dressed up kid). Comments include: "20 MK"-lower right, "Reg to H-1[red]" Ned Sparks stars as an optimistic sailor doll: whereas the others are despondent, he has had a great idea as to how they could give pleasure to others this Christmas. [Item: 12"W x 10"H] Acquired 1999. SeqID-0416
From “Broken Toys” 1935. A 3rd or 4th generation model sheet. "U.S. 34" "Models" Aunt Jemima and Stepin Fetchit. [14”W x 11”H] Acquired 2000. SeqID-0492
From “Broken Toys” (1935). Part of a set of 4 images (See 399, 406, 415 416). This Aunt Jemima Image has some red shading and greed for the shadow under her dress. Comments include: "20 O.J."-lower right, "H-1-A" [frame 20] Acquired 1999. SeqID-0406
From “Broken Toys” (1935). A pencil sketch of Aunt Jemima, right leg lifted looking to side. Notes: "22" [frame 22] See “0406 for almost identical frame 20. [Item: 12"W x 10"H] Acquired 2000. SeqID-0494
From “Broken Toys” 1935. A pencil sketch of Stepin Fetchit as marionette. Notes: Red shoe; "Reg 15x"; "57"; "CC x 59". See #0415 for an almost identical copy (frame 61). [Item: 12"W x 10"H] Acquired 2000. SeqID-0493
From “Broken Toys” 1935. Part of a set of 4 images (See 399, 406, 415 416) A large image of Stepin Fetchit as a marionette. Red right shoe. Notes: "61"-lower right; "follow roughs"; "Reg15x[red]"; 3-hole paper. Acquired 1999. SeqID-0415
